The Christensen and Hymas light display in Draper is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Set to music, this awesome light display runs from 5:30 to 10:30pm up until Christmas. Tune into 99.9FM and enjoy from your car!

I grew up in Provo, and one of our favorite places to see lights has always been in the hill streets of east Provo. You can access these streets from Timpview Drive or 9th East. Just keep driving east and up, and pretty soon you’ll see some pretty amazing light displays.

Tip: Be sure you either know the area or leave plenty of time, since it’s pretty easy to get turned around! If you get lost, no worries, that just means more lights.

3. Lights in the Riverbottoms Provo

When it comes to Christmas lights, this has been the go to spot for my family for years. These homes really go all out. It’s definitely worth a visit, no matter where you live in Utah county.

How to get there: off of I-15, get onto University Avenue towards 3700 N (Will’s Pit Stop for those of you familiar with the area). Turn onto 3700 N and then take your first left. Take a right onto any of the streets you come to, the lights shouldn’t be hard to miss!

The Shops at Riverwoods put on a beautiful display each year. Wander around the peaceful shops, warm your hands at any of the fire pits scattered throughout and enjoy. For those of you with a little money to spend, stop at the Provo Beach Resort for a fun time.

Address: 4801 N University Avenue, Provo, UT 84604

Hours: Most shops are open Monday through Saturday 10am-9pm, but the lights can be enjoyed at any time. If you plan on eating while you’re there, contact the restaurant for hours.

Assuming you have no issue with being in a cemetery, there is a fantastic lookout point at East Lawn Memorial Hills in Provo. You can see the entire valley from here and it’s a breathtaking view whether it’s Christmastime or not.

Address: 4800 N 650, Provo, UT 84601

How to get there: Get on University Avenue off of I-15 headed towards 4800 N (Orem Center Street). Head east on 4800 N. The road to East Lawn will be on the left. You will need to walk a ways once you get there to reach the lookout point.

Hours: The road to East Lawn is closed off to cars after 10pm but you can still get there on foot.

6. The Lookout Point at Rock Canyon

Another great lookout point is located at the base of the Rock Canyon trail, just above the Provo Temple. My husband and I have been known to drive up this way to get our daughter to sleep and then spend a romantic half hour cuddling and looking at the city lights.

How to get there: Get on University Avenue off of I-15 headed towards 2230 N. Turn east on 2230 N and continue past the Provo Temple. The road will reach a point where you can either go straight or follow it right. Go straight and park in the first parking lot on your left, facing the valley.7. Pond Town Christmas

Photo courtesy of www.pondtown.org

Salem, Utah puts on a magical display each year for the Christmas season. Even better, it’s completely free! Learn more here.

8. Christmas Caroling

Christmas caroling seems like it’s a dying art, but that’s no reason not to resurrect it! Get a group together and visit the homes of some families you know could use a little smile.

Did you know there are fifteen Daughters of Utah Pioneers museums in Utah county? Neither did I! What a cool way to learn about Utah history. I plan on adding this to my bucket list, and so should you!

For a complete list of the museums and accompanying info, visit this link and scroll down for Utah County.

I visited this gem over the summer and had a great time. This is a similar experience to the Church sites in Palmyra for those of you that have been. Villagers in costume explain to you the significance of each building and demonstrate activities from life in that time.

Address: 500 W 600 N, Provo, UT 84604

Tours are by appointment only during the winter months. For more information, click here.

“This museum showcases many fossils from the Jurassic Period, which spans a period from approximately 210-140 million years ago. The museum houses one of the top five collections from the Jurassic Period in the world”

Most commonly known as the “Bean Museum”, the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum was recently remodeled and has a very impressive display of every species imaginable. A great indoor day trip for you and the kids. For even more fun, call ahead to schedule a live animal show. It’s free! You can also schedule a tour of the exhibits.

Along with a great place to send your hubby when you want him occupied for well, days, Cabela’s in Lehi has a pretty fantastic animal display, surrounded by a stream of live fish. It’s a fun way to pass the time if you need a break from shopping at the Outlets.

Address: 2502 Cabela’s Blvd, Lehi, UT 84043

Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday 8am-9pm, Sunday 10am-6pm.

21. Fire Station Tour

Did you know that you can get a tour of your local fire station for free, any time? Just call ahead and ask! I so wish I’d known about this when I was a kid.

Most of us know about the daily and weekly free events held at our local library. However, I’d venture to say that few of us really take advantage of it. So go ahead, check out the schedule at your city’s library and add it to your itinerary!

Art Museums and Galleries

25. Brownstone Gallery

Address: 3370 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84604

26. BYU BF Larsen Gallery

Located in the Harris Fine Arts Center on BYU Campus. For a map of BYU campus, click here.

“Terra Nova (which is Latin, meaning “new ground”) was created to give local emerging and established artists an opportunity to exhibit their work in a fresh, new venue. The concept behind the gallery is simple — provide exhibit space for original works from artists who are ‘ready to hang’ but are not tied to a particular gallery.”

“The Window Box Gallery brings you fine quality, affordable Limited Edition Art from the top-named artists who’s originals are accessible to only a few. The Window Box Gallery also carries original art from many well-known Utah artists. The art we carry can evoke emotions and memories as well as help you find collectible art that results in a valuable investment opportunity.”

Our family spends a lot of time here during the colder months. I’m an avid runner and my husband loves to run with me and track his times. Now that we have our daughter, we can take along BOB (our stroller, yes he is a member of the family) and make it a family date.

Tip: If possible, don’t go in the evening between 5 and 7. This is when all the families go right after work so the track is quite crowded. We’ve found the best time to be mid morning or late evening.

Hours change based on the semester, so be sure to visit here to double check before you go.

The Treehouse Playground inside the University Mall in Orem is a fun place to take the kids. It’s never too crowded, and there’s lots of stuff to explore.

Address: Inside the University Mall (575 E University Pkwy, Orem, UT) At the north end by Payless Shoesource.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm.

36. Play Day in the Snow

We all know some of the best activities can be done right at home. With our daughter old enough to enjoy it, I’m looking forward to building some snowmen and making snow angels this winter, snow permitting.

Rock Canyon Park in Provo has a great sledding hill for snowy days. It is pretty popular, so expect some crowds, but it’s still worth it.

Address: E 2620 N Provo, UT 84604

Want to make your winter staycation even better? We are giving away over $500 in prizes for your own Staycation in Utah! Prizes include a $100 gift card to the Marriot Hotel, 4 tickets to the SCERA, four passes to Tracy Aviary, a $20 gift card to Lowe’s Xtreme Air Sports, two copies of The Best of Utah Valley on the Cheep, a backpack from The Salt Project, 4 Leonardo Body Worlds passes and a Wasatch Saving Guide.